gite3 km
Mafate · La Nouvelle · 1,350 m
Camping du Cryptoméria, La Nouvelle: sleeping under the cryptomeria trees in the heart of Mafate
The best-known campsite in the Mafate cirque, in a forest of cryptomeria (Japanese cedar) on the edge of the cirque's largest îlet (hamlet). Reachable only on foot, from €5 per person. Important: phone first, as the campsite has had periods of closure.
La Nouvelle, MafatelocationFrom €5 / personrateOn foot onlyaccessBy phonebooking
Camping du Cryptoméria is one of the best-known places to stay in the Mafate cirque. On the edge of La Nouvelle, on the way to Marla, in a dense cryptomeria forest planted at 1,350 m, it has welcomed hikers and school groups for decades. La Nouvelle is the largest îlet (hamlet) in the cirque and a crossroads on almost every Mafate crossing, so the campsite is on the way for anyone spending more than one night in the cirque.
Important: according to the latest information available, the campsite may have closed. Always call before you set off on +262 692 36 19 64 to check it's open and to book. This page gathers the latest known information: prices, facilities, the trails in from Mafate's different entry points and ideas for planning your crossing. If it's your first time in Mafate, the guided trek from Cayenne îlet reaches La Nouvelle in 2 days with a local guide.
At a glance
The campsite essentials
The experience
A night in the cryptomeria forest, in the heart of Mafate
Arriving in La Nouvelle. Whichever way you come into the cirque (Col des Bœufs, Sans Souci, Rivière des Galets, Roche Plate via Maïdo), you first walk through the hamlet to its western edge, on the way to Marla. The campsite is signposted from the trail. Tents go on grassy pitches under the cryptomeria trees, in shade almost all day.
The cryptomeria forest. These trees, planted by the ONF (the French forestry office) in the upper parts of the cirque, give the hamlet a very distinctive feel: dark undergrowth, a carpet of needles, and a cool, hushed atmosphere. At 1,350 m, the air is dry and clear, night falls quickly and it can drop below 10°C in the southern winter, so a warm sleeping bag is essential.
The campsite's facilities.The washrooms use solar-heated water (how much depends on the day's sunshine). There's an equipped kitchen for an extra charge, and tents to hire for €15 if you'd rather travel light. There are four fire pits. No food is served on site, but La Nouvelle has several gîtes and snack bars.
What makes it special.Mafate, the only cirque on the island with no roads, can only be reached on foot or by helicopter. Camping in a hamlet where people live, hearing Creole conversations in the evening and watching the supply helicopters fly over at dawn is an experience you won't find anywhere else on the island. For many, it's the stop that turns a holiday in Reunion Island into a real immersion.
How to get there
How to reach La Nouvelle on foot
Mafate can only be reached on foot. There are four main ways into La Nouvelle, depending on your time and fitness:
Col des Bœufs (Salazie): the most direct route: around 2 hours of easy downhill walking from the car park (paid and attended in season) to La Nouvelle. The one to choose for a first night in Mafate.
Sans Souci (La Possession): about 4 to 5 hours of steady walking on the Scout trail, a demanding route with a steep climb and then a steep descent.
Rivière des Galets (La Possession):up the river valley, allow 5 to 6 hours to La Nouvelle. Risk of flash floods: don't attempt it in wet weather.
Roche Plate via Maïdo: 7 to 9 hours with a long, steep descent. For experienced hikers only.
There are no vehicles here: everything comes in on foot or by helicopter. Stock up and do your shopping in your starting town before you set off.
On site
Services and facilities at the campsite
- Washrooms with solar-heated water (depends on the sunshine)
- Equipped kitchen available for an extra charge
- Tent hire: €15 extra if you're travelling light
- Four fire pits (bring your own wood)
- Water point for washing up and laundry
- Shared barbecue area
- A viewpoint over the îlet and the cliffs
- Approved for children's groups by the French youth and sports authority (DDJS)
- Welcomes children's groups during school holidays
Rates
How much does a night cost
The basic price is around €5 per person per night, according to the site's camping page. Extras may apply: €15 for tent hire, a charge for using the kitchen, and other services on request.
Prices may change, especially if the campsite reopens after a closure. Always check current prices by phone before booking. Cards aren't accepted, so bring cash.
Contact & booking
Booking and contacting the campsite
Phone: +262 692 36 19 64
Address: La Nouvelle, Mafate cirque, La Possession
Status to be confirmed: according to the latest information available, the campsite may have closed permanently. Call before planning your stay in La Nouvelle, or have a back-up (gîtes in the hamlet, other campsites in Mafate).
There's no reception on site and booking is by phone only (no email address). Signal doesn't reach every part of La Nouvelle, so be patient when calling.
Combine it with
Activities to combine with the campsite
La Nouvelle is the crossroads of the big Mafate crossings. Make the most of your stop to explore the trails around it.
Guided trek in Mafate from Cayenne
A crossing of the Mafate cirque over several days, from Îlet Cayenne, with a qualified local guide.
See the activity
Bélouve and the Trou de Fer waterfall
A guided walk to the viewpoint over the island's tallest waterfall, from the hills above Salazie.
See the activity
Horse riding at Piton Maïdo
A ride through the cryptomeria forests of the western highlands, towards the cliffs above Mafate.
See the activity
Also worth combiningAerial view
Mafate from the air
Camping in La Nouvelle shows you Mafate from the inside: trails, hamlets, local life, supply helicopters seen from below. A helicopter flips it round: it flies over the whole cirque in a few minutes, from the Maïdo cliffs to the Brèche, and reveals its shape in a way no hike ever could.
Ideal before or after a trek of several days, to see the same landscape from above. 8 routes from Saint-Pierre or Saint-Paul, from 15 minutes to 1 hour.
From €125 · 210 Manawa reviews · Saint-Pierre / Saint-Paul
See helicopter rates
Other campsites
Other campsites in the Mafate cirque
Camping La Bonne Terre, Aurère
A spot in the hamlet of Aurère, €5 per person, with a more intimate feel on the northern route through the cirque.
See the campsite
Camping Jeff et Cathie, Cayenne
A family-run campsite at €13 per person in Cayenne, the classic starting point for crossings.
See the campsite
Camping Les Filaos, Îlet à Malheur
A spot at €5 per person in Îlet à Malheur, halfway between Aurère and Roche Plate.
See the campsite
Stay nearby
Alternative accommodation nearby
If the campsite is full or you're after more comfort, here are partner places to stay within 25 km.
gite3 km
hotel12 km
hotel14 kmFrequently asked questions
FAQ: everything to know before booking
Is Camping du Cryptoméria still open?
According to the latest information available, the campsite may have closed permanently. Always call +262 692 36 19 64 before setting off for La Nouvelle, or have a back-up among the other Mafate campsites (La Bonne Terre in Aurère, Jeff et Cathie in Cayenne, Les Filaos in Îlet à Malheur) or the gîtes in La Nouvelle.
How do I get to La Nouvelle?
Mafate can only be reached on foot. There are four main ways into La Nouvelle: Col des Bœufs from Salazie (2 hours, the shortest), Sans Souci from La Possession (4-5 hours), Rivière des Galets (5-6 hours, flood risk) and Roche Plate via Maïdo (7-9 hours, a steep descent). Choose according to your fitness and the time you have.
How much does a night at the campsite cost?
Around €5 per person per night, according to the site's camping page. Extras may apply: €15 for tent hire and a charge for using the kitchen. Check current prices by phone before booking, as they can change.
Do I need to book?
Yes, especially in high season (June to October). Booking is by phone only, on +262 692 36 19 64 (no online booking or email). Signal is poor in La Nouvelle, so be patient when calling.
Is there water, and are there toilets?
Yes: washrooms with solar-heated water (depending on the day's sunshine) and a water point for washing up and laundry. The water isn't guaranteed drinkable, so bring purification tablets or a filter.
Can I light a campfire?
Yes, in the four fire pits. Bring your own wood or use what's provided, depending on the season. No fires at the edge of the forest: the fire risk is serious in the dry season.
What else can I do from La Nouvelle?
La Nouvelle is Mafate's crossroads. From the hamlet you can climb to Maïdo via Roche Plate, head to Marla, cross to Trois Roches, or explore the trails nearby. For the best view of the whole cirque, a helicopter flight is unbeatable.
Does the campsite take children's groups?
Yes, it's approved by the French youth and sports authority (DDJS) and can host children's groups in the school holidays. Book several months ahead for school trips or holiday camps.
Page updated on 20 September 2026. GPS coordinates, contact details and rates verified as of this date. Confirm availability with the campsite before travelling.